Taimur Ali Khan’s first birthday party at Pataudi Palace: here’s how you can cop the style

Inspired by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan's party for Taimur

A Nawabi-style birthday party setting is something even Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan can take a leaf out of for Taimur Ali Khan's first birthday party (left); The above look has been put together by interior designer and party planner Punit Jasuja (right)

Taimur Ali Khan, the cherubic son of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, was born a celebrity. The ‘Chote Nawab’ turns 1 on December 20. While aunt Karisma Kapoor has been sharing images of the birthday party venue, Pataudi Palace, we’re wondering what the intimate party setting will look like. AD collaborated with the grand couturier of events, Punit Jasuja—an interior designer, event planner and curator of the Second Floor Studio in New Delhi—to re-create a Nawabi-style birthday party for our readers. This is your official guide to throwing a royal birthday party for your little one.

The Luxe Party Invitation

A luxe invitation sets the tone for the party. Punit says sticking to a rich blue, maroon, gold, and silver-coloured envelope with a traditional motif or pattern will go with the Nawabi birthday party theme. A maroon accent would be more traditional, where as a navy blue would add a bit of modernity.

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The Party Decor: Dining and Living Room Decor

Pull out your rugs or borrow them from friends, says Punit. Layering rugs in your home will instantly create a royal Nawabi feel to the birthday party. The overall decor should have a hint of luxury—reminiscent of a bygone era. If you are not hosting a birthday party in a palace, like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan are doing for Taimur Ali Khan, you can add a touch of glamour by incorporating a vintage or new candelabra, brass thalis or chandi glasses to drink out of. Pull out your silver and use them as trays and vases.

Try and transform your living space by arranging your seating on the floor with cushions and textiles. Considering the kids at the party will need all the extra leg room they can get, freeing up space by using cushions help. Moms, pull out your brocade silks or shawls from your personal collection and casually place them on furniture to give it that Nawabi feel. Ferry lights will also create a royal look and feel.

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An exterior shot of Pataudi Palace

The main hallway

The colonial study room

The dining room

One of the 7 snooker rooms

Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment

A Sufi band or an act performing Qawwali is always the perfect choice for a party of this nature. However, a personal playlist will also work fine. “Just make sure that the music you choose is authentic,” says Punit. Here are stages of the evening you should keep in mind:

Part I: The music played should start out slower at the beginning. It should act more as a background filler. This will give the guests time to mingle and move around.

Part II: The music should pick up in beat and volume as more guests arrive, and while food is being served.

Part III: The music should be at performing level for guests to listen and enjoy during the latter part of the evening.

A great return gift for the parents of the children who attend the birthday party would be a box of sweets. However, a modern return gift would be a bouquet of flowers or a scented candle using oils with a customized scent for the evening.

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The Party Food

Once the party for the kids ends, a grand table for the adults can be laid out. The key to the food would be the way in which it is served. Details pertaining to the staff (who should have a dress code for the evening, preferably white kurta/pajamas), the thalis, and the menu should be examined with a fine-tooth comb. If you insist on having a buffet, keep in mind the vastness of a Nawabi meal. Take time to choose the vessels and trays the food will be served in. Try and use a dining table for your buffet that you can walk around as opposed to serving food in a straight line. This will make the service more luxurious and grand.

With this definitive party guide by Punit to fall back on, your child’s next birthday party, and your after party will definitely be one for the family album. Here’s to the first birthday party of Taimur Ali Khan!

For more on Punit Jasuja and the Second Floor Studio in Delhi, visit:punitjasuja.com.